Welcome to the Autism Society of Wisconsin

The Autism Society of Wisconsin (ASW) is dedicated to improving the lives of all affected by autism in Wisconsin by providing information and referral, family support, advocacy, professional development, resource development, and by raising awareness and acceptance. ASW sponsors an annual spring and fall conference, a free quarterly newsletter, provides information and referral and monitors a peer support listserv. The Autism Society of Wisconsin is the voice for autism in Wisconsin, advocating for individuals with autism, their families and those who work with them.

Announcements

Autism in Wisconsin 2017 Report Release

In 2016, the Autism Society of Wisconsin conducted a survey to learn more about the experiences and attitudes of individuals with autism, parents/caregivers of individuals with autism, and the professionals who work with families affected by autism. The purpose of the Autism in Wisconsin survey was to collect and compile data on the experiences of people affected by autism in Wisconsin to 1) influence Autism Society programming priorities 2) influence policies and legislation 3) document how experiences and attitudes change over time. As the first of its kind, the report below will serve as a baseline for future surveys and reports. We hope this information may be of interest to the autism community and that it will be useful for those working to increase the quality of life for those affected by autism.

Service Area Update

Beginning in January of 2017, the Autism Society of Wisconsin is transitioning from a state affiliate to serving a portion of the state as defined by our new 53 county service area. The change is a result of a decision made by the national Autism Society. Our new service area begins with Vernon, Juneau, Adams, Marquette, Green Lake, Fond du Lac, and Sheboygan counties and extends up to the Northern border of Wisconsin. We are currently keeping the name, the Autism Society of Wisconsin, but may consider a name change in the future that better reflects our new service area.

The Autism Society of Wisconsin serves as the parent organization for five local affiliates, located throughout our service area and shown on the map. These affiliates will continue to offer the same wonderful programs and services they always have. As direct affiliates under the National Autism Society, the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin and the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin are responsible for serving the remaining counties in the southern part of the state.

The Autism Society of Wisconsin continues its commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by autism in Wisconsin. We hope to work with the other affiliates to continue our statewide initiatives such as hosting the Essay Contest, developing and distributing our Next Steps guides, and working collaboratively on advocacy issues.

The Autism Society of Wisconsin looks forward to our future, focusing on our new 53 county service area. We’re excited to work with our local affiliates and other local partners to build capacity in our communities. Please give us a call if you have any questions.

Autism Prevalence Rates – New 2016 Report

April 1, 2016 - Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the incidence rate of autism among eight year olds in the United States remains at 1 out of 68 children.

This updated report occurs every two years, with the previous report being released from the CDC in April 2014. To read the full report go here. The report is based on data collected from the Autism and Development Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM) which has 11 sites across the United States, including a site in southeastern Wisconsin. Wisconsin specific data show that 1 in 92 children (age 8) have Autism Spectrum Disorder, which is an increase from 1 in 102 children from the 2014 report. Read more about Wisconsin specific data here.

“Today's announcement that the updated incidence rate of autism has not changed in the past two years tells us that there continues to be a significant number of individuals with an autism diagnosis who need the help of our organization. The CDC’s advisement that the updated incidence rate should not be considered an indication of stabilization of the incidence of autism, reaffirms the importance of the Autism Society’s commitment to addressing the continued disparity among children based on their race as to when an early diagnosis occurs. We know that the earlier an individual receives a diagnosis, the better it is to help support the needs of the individual diagnosed,” said Scott Badesch, President/CEO of the Autism Society of America.